By Mustapha Salisu
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has charged all Interim Management Committee Chairmen, their Vice-chairmen, and 14 councillors across all 44 Local Government Areas to plant five trees wherever sustainable.
Comr. Gwarzo who doubles as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the State dished out the instructions during the official flag-off of the 2024 Tree Planting Campaign yesterday in Tsanyawa Local Government on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
He announced that by the year’s end, it is expected that two-thirds of these trees will have been sustained. Awards will be given to LGAs based on their success in sustaining tree planting, with recognition for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively.
Unveiling the campaign themed “One Tree, One Household Initiative” (or Dashen Bishiya Gida-Gida), the Deputy Governor acknowledged that the exercise is part of the State Government efforts to make Kano greener and address ecological imbalances.
Photo Credit: Hon. Hamza Ahmad Telan Mata, P.A Photography to the Deputy Governor of Kano State.
He emphasized the crucial role of trees in providing oxygen, food, shelter for wildlife, raw materials for industries, and in preventing soil erosion.
“Our environment faces numerous challenges, including deforestation, land degradation, climate change, soil erosion, and pollution, however, together, we can make a difference” Gwarzo stated.
Comrade Gwarzo also called upon all citizens, including traditional and religious leaders, to join the initiative, stressing the importance of leaving a greener legacy for future generations. “Together, we can make our state a model for environmental stewardship,” he emphasized.
Earlier speaking, the Interim Management Committee Chairman of Tsanyawa LGA, Hon. Kabiru Idris, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba and Deputy Governor Comrade Gwarzo for approving Tsanyawa LGA to launch the tree planting program, a historic initiative aimed at addressing ecological imbalances.
He urged residents of Tsanyawa LGA to view tree planting as an act of charity, noting the rewards promised by Allah Almighty to those who benefit from the trees, even for shade.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo, stressed the importance of tree planting in mitigating climate change’s adverse effects such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts, thereby enhancing citizen wellness.
He urged everyone to refrain from deforestation and emphasized the importance of replanting each tree removed with a new one.